Double Bass Buffing surface scratches

[tplyons]

Hi, I have a couple hairline scratches in my finish on the shoulders and it's really quite annoying on such a shiny instrument to have those eyesore scratches. It looks like a fingernail run through the upper layer of the finish, could I buff it out?

 

[Brent Norton]

Generally, if you can "feel" the scratch with your fingernail, you often can't just "buff it out." You can sand it out with wetordry paper, then rub the area with a rubbing or mild cutting compound, then finish with a polish (NOT wax). If you've never sanded out scratches before, start with a very fine grit -- I'd even recommend as high as 1000 -- it'll take a little longer, but you'll be far less likely to get carried away and go through the finish. Check your progress often.

If when running your fingernail over the scratch you DON'T feel it, you can usually skip the sanding, start right in with the rubbing compound and follow with polish.

Good luck!

 

[anonymous0726]

Or play a lot of gigs and get scratches on the rest of the bass to match.

 

[tplyons]

I can't feel the scratches, just see them, and it's kind of annoying. They're hairline at the largest, is there anything I can do?

Generally, if you can "feel" the scratch with your fingernail, you often can't just "buff it out." You can sand it out with wetordry paper, then rub the area with a rubbing or mild cutting compound, then finish with a polish (NOT wax). If you've never sanded out scratches before, start with a very fine grit -- I'd even recommend as high as 1000 -- it'll take a little longer, but you'll be far less likely to get carried away and go through the finish. Check your progress often.

If when running your fingernail over the scratch you DON'T feel it, you can usually skip the sanding, start right in with the rubbing compound and follow with polish.

Good luck!

 

[Paul Warburton]

I'm always telling everyone about that Old English Scratch cover. It comes in several different shades. You just rub it in...scratch gone! Get it at your local super market.

 

[anonymous0726]

I've been warned against this as Olde English has oil in it and if a crack ever needed to be repaired where you used it the oil would prevent hide glue from schtiking.

 

[Brent Norton]

I can't feel the scratches...They're hairline at the largest, is there anything I can do?

Like I said, you can get right to rubbing with rubbing with compound, then follow with polish.

 

[Paul Warburton]

I've been warned against this as Olde English has oil in it and if a crack ever needed to be repaired where you used it the oil would prevent hide glue from schtiking.

You don't have to use hide glue in cracks.

 

[matt macgown]

If you use toothpaste, you can rub and polish simulataneously. (ie., I use it).

 

[Damon Rondeau]

...but then there's the annoying whitening and freshened breath that goes along with it.

 

[Matthew Tucker]

So you fix the scratch ... what happens next time you play a gig? Or does she wear a bib?

 

[anonymous0726]

Only for the 'rub and polish'.

 

[matt macgown]

So you fix the scratch ... what happens next time you play a gig? Or does she wear a bib?

A bass should wear its scratches proudly. They add character, and are all part of the "maturation" process. Like a good pair of woods boots.

 

[arnoldschnitzer]

You don't have to use hide glue in cracks.

Really? What do you suggest?

 

[Paul Warburton]

Really? What do you suggest?

Jeeze Arnold, right after I posted that I thought "you're gonna have all the luthiers in your face...."
A real well known luthier (not Bob Ross...who said don't let them think I use anything but hide!) told me once that in certain instances, depending where the crack was he would use some other glues.
Anyway I take that statement back.....and sorry Ray.
Anyway that scratch cover works well for surface scratches that are not near repairs.

 

[anonymous0726]

I thought that sounded funny...

 

[contrabajisimo]

Are there any products specifically for string instruments that can be used to cosmetically "touch-up" the place where the finish has been scratched off and the plywood is seen very clearly? What would you recommend and where can I get it? Thanks.

 

[peasandhoney]

i cant tell with out seeing said scratches, but i got two words...

micro mesh

they carry it at international violin co. (supprizingly the best price i've found) and at fine woodworking outlet. it is simply amazing stuff...

 

[Huy Nguyen]

anybody ever try a buffing arbor? I got this little attachment for my dremel-tool copy that's basically a cotton wheel on a drill bit end. Got me some find jewellers rouge and have been buffing out scratches on my cd's with some success (it's nice reviving those cd's that you once thought were totally lost). Polished my watch the other day too. Think I might try it when I get home. Don't see why it wouldn't work, especially if you have that lacquer finish like mine does. Not sure if it would work on a rubbed-on finish. And of course there are always some that are so deep you can't do anything about them.

 

[Brent Norton]

Don't know how fast those Dremels get going, but you have to be careful with hi-speed polishing. Depending on the compound, speed, pressure, movement, etc., you can burn through finish before you know it.